Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE's envoy to the UN, denounced the strikes that killed three people, injured six and caused fires at a fuel depot and an international airport in Abu Dhabi. UN file photo.
Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE's envoy to the UN, denounced the strikes that killed three people, injured six and caused fires at a fuel depot and an international airport in Abu Dhabi. UN file photo.
Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE's envoy to the UN, denounced the strikes that killed three people, injured six and caused fires at a fuel depot and an international airport in Abu Dhabi. UN file photo.
Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE's envoy to the UN, denounced the strikes that killed three people, injured six and caused fires at a fuel depot and an international airport in Abu Dhabi. UN file photo.

UN council members decry Abu Dhabi attack as crisis talks loom


James Reinl
  • English
  • Arabic

The UAE envoy to the UN Lana Nusseibeh on Wednesday told the Security Council that more than 90 countries have joined the Emirates in condemning this week's attack on Abu Dhabi, as the chamber readied for talks on what she called a “criminal escalation” by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

Ms Nusseibeh denounced the strikes that killed three people, injured six and caused fires at a fuel depot and an international airport in the UAE capital.

Council members are set to discuss the strikes in emergency talks as soon as Friday, diplomats said. Ms Nusseibeh along with envoys from Israel, Britain, India, the US and elsewhere mentioned the strikes briefly at separate discussions in the chamber on Wednesday.

The UAE envoy condemned the “attacks against civilians and civilian facilities in the UAE” by the “terrorist Houthi militias” as well as other “treacherous attempts to spread chaos and terrorism in the region”.

“My country reiterates its strong condemnation and denouncement of this criminal escalation and expresses its condolences to the families of the three victims and wishes the injured a speedy recovery,” she said.

“We also thank those who have supported us, including more than 90 countries that have joined us in condemning these terrorist attacks.”

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN, offered her “condolences to the UAE” and said Washington “condemns in no unqualified terms Monday's terrorist attack in Abu Dhabi".

India’s UN envoy, TS Tirumurti, blasted the “unacceptable” attack in which two Indian citizens lost their lives. He urged the 15-nation body to “send a clear signal” against such a “blatant violation of international law”.

Also addressing the council, Israel’s UN ambassador Gilad Erdan condemned the strikes and called for tough international action against Iran, which has been accused of arming the Houthi rebels.

He offered his “deepest condolences” over the “abhorrent attack by the Iranian-sponsored Houthi terror group”.

“There is no doubt that the threat caused by the Iranian regime demands the urgent attention of the whole world, none more so than here in the Security Council,” Mr Erdan said in New York.

It remains unclear, however, what action the council will take. Last week, members agreed on a separate statement condemning the Houthi seizure of a UAE-flagged cargo vessel on January 2 — but Yemen’s rebel group frequently flouts UN resolutions.

A Houthi spokesman did not immediately respond to The National's request for comment.

The UAE joined the UN’s top body for a two-year term beginning on January 1, meaning it can take part in meetings, vote on resolutions and help draft official statements.

Yemen has been mired in violence since the Houthis ousted the internationally recognised government from the capital Sanaa in late 2014. A Saudi-led military coalition intervened the following year to restore the government.

Fighting has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and left millions suffering from food and medical shortages.

Sri Lanka-India Test series schedule
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The move was announced earlier this year and is part of a new drive to combat drug abuse and increase the region’s capacity for treating drug addiction.

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Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

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Updated: January 20, 2022, 3:07 AM`